Now Commenting On:

Gearrin sent to Minors; Kimbrel left holding bag

Gearrin sent to Minors; Kimbrel left holding bag

Email

Print

Craig Kimbrel

By
/
|

ATLANTA -- Craig Kimbrel is back to having to carry the "goody" bag out to the Braves' bullpen despite being the reigning National League Rookie of Year.

Kimbrel, who saved 46 games last season, became the least-senior member of the relief corps when Cory Gearrin was optioned back to Triple-A Gwinnett to make room for Tim Hudson to come off the disabled list for Sunday's start.

Gearrin didn't get into a game after being called up from the G-Braves on Tuesday, when Jair Jurrjens was sent down to Gwinnett to get back on track.

Gearrin seemed a lock to make the team through most of Spring Training before losing his control during his final few appearances. But he pitched 12 1/3 scoreless innings for Gwinnett with 15 strikeouts to two walks before being promoted.

"Gearrin has been pitching lights-out in Triple-A," Braves manager Fredi Gonzalez said. "So go back down keeping pitching that way and if we need him again, it'll be an easy decision."